Ned Ryun: Dismantling the Administrative State Is Key to Trump’s Vision

In a recent segment of The Ingraham Angle, Ned Ryun, founder and CEO of American Majority, laid out a bold vision for dismantling the entrenched administrative state under a second Trump presidency. With clear determination, Ryun outlined a plan that prioritizes reducing bureaucratic inefficiency, firing resistant federal employees, and setting the stage for lasting reform.

Firing Bureaucrats: A Supreme Court Test

Ryun emphasized that Donald Trump’s proposed reforms must start on Day 1 with decisive action. Specifically, he advocated for firing 200,000 GS-12 and GS-13 federal employees, arguing this would trigger a legal battle that could ultimately be decided by the Supreme Court.

“The Supreme Court must answer this question: Does the president of the United States have the right to hire and fire whoever he wants within the executive branch?” Ryun explained. He expressed confidence that the current Court would side with Trump, clearing the path for sweeping changes. If successful, Ryun argued, Trump could act as the “demolition man for the administrative state,” firing resistant bureaucrats and shutting down ineffective departments.

Confronting Resistance in the Deep State

Ryun didn’t shy away from addressing the challenges such reforms would face. He pointed out that higher-level federal employees, particularly GS-15s and GS-16s, are often the ones obstructing change within government agencies. To neutralize this resistance, Ryun suggested a novel approach:
“Send them to an empty government building 30 minutes off Capitol Hill, call it the ‘Department of Elimination,’ and sit them at empty desks for eight hours a day,” he proposed. This, he explained, would effectively remove these bureaucrats from their roles while determining how to officially eliminate their positions.

Economic and Political Implications

Laura raised a critical question: What about the economic impact of such a drastic reduction in the federal workforce? Acknowledging this concern, Ryun admitted that unemployment could temporarily rise as displaced workers sought new jobs. However, he expressed confidence that the economy would recover, especially as Trump’s broader plan for reindustrialization takes hold.

“This isn’t going to happen overnight,” Ryun said. He predicted an 18-month to two-year process for legal challenges to work their way through the courts. In the meantime, he emphasized the importance of cutting regulations and making government more efficient.

A 100-Year Battle

Ryun also highlighted the immense scale of the task ahead, noting that the administrative state has been growing unchecked for over a century. “The bureaucracy has been entrenched for 100 years. They are smart and know how to protect themselves,” he warned. Nevertheless, he expressed optimism that Trump’s leadership, coupled with support from the Supreme Court, could break through these barriers.

A Vision for Change

As Ryun described, dismantling the administrative state would mark a turning point for America. Beyond reducing government inefficiency, it would empower elected leaders to govern without interference from unelected bureaucrats. “This is about restoring power to the people and holding the government accountable,” he concluded.

A Path Forward

With Trump’s return to the White House, Ryun’s vision represents a bold and transformative strategy. While the challenges are immense, the potential rewards—streamlined government, a revitalized economy, and a reindustrialized America—could reshape the nation’s future.

As Laura summed up during the segment, “It’s going to take a lot. But with the right leadership, real change is possible.”